Spain's Hidden Gem: Aparthotel Olimar II Awaits!
Spain's Hidden Gem: Aparthotel Olimar II Awaits! A Totally Honest Review (and Maybe a Little Obsessive)
Okay, so you're looking at Aparthotel Olimar II. I get it. Spain calls to you. Sunshine. Tapas. Siestas. But finding the right place? That's the real quest. Let me tell you, I've been down the rabbit hole of travel reviews, and I'm here to give you the real deal on this hidden gem, warts and all. Think of me as your slightly caffeinated, overly enthusiastic travel companion.
Accessibility: The Good and The… Potentially Better?
Right off the bat, accessibility is a big win. They claim to be wheelchair accessible, and that’s a HUGE plus. Now, I didn’t personally wheel around the place (I’m more of a "walk until my feet bleed" kind of tourist), but the info on their site seems solid. They've got an elevator, which is essential. But do they have ramps at every single entrance? I can't say for sure, and that’s the honest truth of it. You'll want to double check with the hotel directly if full accessibility is a must-have.
On-Site Eats & Drinks: Fueling the Fun (and Fights Over Paella)
Let's talk food. Food is life, am I right? Restaurants on-site? Yep, plural. And they boast everything from buffet to à la carte. A poolside bar? Absolutely. Think icy cocktails and sun-drenched bliss. I saw glimpses of a vegetarian restaurant, which is fantastic. The international cuisine is definitely up for grabs as is the Asian cuisine. Now is it the MOST authentic pad thai you've ever had? Maybe not. But the convenience of having options right there? Priceless.
I read something about a happy hour. Do not miss this. Seriously. It's the perfect way to ease into those long, balmy evenings. And the coffee/tea in the restaurant? Essential for surviving those early morning excursions. Also, breakfast in room is available. I'm a big fan of breakfast, buffet. In the morning there is a Western breakfast available. Personally, I always order Soup. Don't hate me, but I always go for Dessert in the restaurant, too. It’s my vacation, I'm not going to feel the shame. Room service is available 24 hours, and that's always a plus for the midnight munchies. They serve bottle of water, so hydrate or die of dehydration.
Things To Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Day (Maybe Skip the Body Wrap)
Okay, the spa situation is impressive. They have the classics: massage, sauna, steam room, swimming pool. A pool with a view? Sign me up! Look, I'm not always a spa person, but after a day of exploring, a little bit of pampering can work wonders. Fitness center too. Though I’m the kind of person to go to the gym when I'm home, but then on vacation I eat everything. It's a paradox.
Now, about those body wraps… I’m a bit wary. I had one once and felt like a sausage in a casing. But hey, you do you.
Cleanliness & Safety: Feeling Cautiously Optimistic
Given the current climate, cleanliness and safety are HUGE. They're touting anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, and room sanitization between stays. That's all music to my germaphobe ears! They are following the normal health regulations. I read they remove shared stationery, have hand sanitizer and staff trained in safety protocol. They're also going cashless payment which is a must do.
The fact that they have a doctor/nurse on call and a first aid kit provides some peace of mind, because let’s be honest, sometimes you just need a band-aid and a dose of sympathy. I did notice they do use sterilizing equipment and have hot water linen and laundry washing. They're also hygiene-certified, which is a solid green flag.
Rooms: The Sanctuary (Or Possibly a Hodgepodge)
This is where things get interesting. The room descriptions are extensive. They have air conditioning, which is a godsend in the Spanish heat, blackout curtains are a must and a safe box for your valuables. Free Wi-Fi, always a plus. If you pick the right room, you can have interconnecting rooms available which is perfect if you're going with a group or family.
There are smoke detectors, sofas, bathrobes and bathrooms phone. If the rooms do not have a window that opens, that's a red flag. They also come with a desk for those times. When I stay in a hotel, the rooms always have the mini bar.
Services & Conveniences: The Extras That Make a Difference
Okay, so the practical stuff. They have a concierge, which is great for recommendations and making reservations. They likely have room service (24-hour). Daily housekeeping is a must (although, don't underestimate the "don't disturb" sign sometimes!). The luggage storage is essential. I love it when they provide invoice provided. They also have a dry cleaning/laundry service and some stores, I'm a fan of all of that.
For the Kids: Family Fun or Family Frenzy?
They mention babysitting service and being family/child friendly, which is a definite win for those traveling with little ones. I can't personally vouch for the "fun" factor, as I haven't experienced it myself, but the options are there.
Getting Around: Airport Transfers & Beyond
Airport transfer is a great option. And there's on-site parking. Look, I like to get the car park [free of charge].
My Anecdotal Ramblings (and the Imperfections They Don't Tell You)
Okay, so here's the real, messy truth. I have read mixed reviews about the noise levels. "Soundproof rooms" are promised, but are they really? That's the golden question. I'm imagining a scenario where some nights are peaceful, and the neighbor's kid seems to have mastered drum solos. I'm also slightly concerned about the food, but that's a me-problem. A la carte in restaurant is not a problem.
The Verdict: Should You Book?
Here’s the thing. Aparthotel Olimar II seems like a solid contender for a memorable Spanish escape. The accessibility, the spa, the potential for relaxation… all very tempting. The downsides are small, and not a dealbreaker compared to the potential upsides.
Now, here's my pitch. Get ready.
Tired of the same old tourist traps? Craving authentic Spanish vibes, sunshine, and a little bit of luxury without the stuffiness? Aparthotel Olimar II is calling your name!
Book your stay at Aparthotel Olimar II NOW and receive:
- A complimentary bottle of local wine upon arrival! (Because, hello, Spain!)
- A free upgrade (subject to availability) to a room with a balcony overlooking the stunning pool!
- A personalized itinerary packed with hidden gems and local secrets, created by your dedicated concierge!
- Exclusive access to our spa's signature relaxation treatment.
Don't wait! This offer is only available for a limited time. Click here to book and experience the magic of Aparthotel Olimar II. Escape the ordinary. Embrace the extraordinary. Your Spanish adventure awaits!
Canggu's BEST Family Bungalow: NE66A Luxury Escape Awaits!
Aparthotel Olimar II, Spain: My Slightly Disastrous, Utterly Delightful Adventure (or: How I Learned to Love Frying Pans and Lose My Mind Slightly)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your perfectly curated travel blog. This is a confession, a survival guide, and a love letter to the slightly-rough-around-the-edges glory of Aparthotel Olimar II in… well, Spain. Specifically, somewhere on that beautiful, sun-drenched coast. I can't actually remember the exact town. Don't judge. The Sangria's good, okay?
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Apartment Hunt of 2024
- Morning (7:00 AM - roughly whenever the coffee kicked in): Flight. Vomit bags were clutched, prayers were muttered, and I swore I'd never eat airline food again. Spoiler alert: I did eat airline food again. Several times.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Landed! Sun! Smells of… something delicious! Okay, maybe not delicious yet. The airport chaos was REAL. Finding the transfer? A minor feat of navigation involving questionable hand gestures and a lot of shouting (mostly by yours truly).
- 3:00 PM: Aparthotel Arrival. Or, "Welcome to a Concrete Box with Potential" I swear the photos online were… optimistic. The Olimar II isn't precisely chic. Think efficient, with a healthy dose of 70s charm (read: questionable decor and possibly original plumbing). Check-in was smooth, thankfully. The woman at the desk was blessedly unfazed by my jet-legged, vaguely panicked state. She actually smiled! A good sign.
- 4:00 PM: The Apartment Reveal. Okay, maybe not reveal. More like… unveiling. The apartment itself was… well, functional. The kitchen… well, let's just say it made me deeply appreciate my own, well-equipped (and frankly, overstocked) kitchen back home. The frying pan? A sad, lonely little thing, looking like it had seen some serious battles with overcooked omelets. This is where things get interesting.
- Ancedote: I spent a good hour trying to figure out how the hob worked. No instruction manual. No readily apparent controls. I may have accidentally set off the smoke alarm. Twice. My first meal? Scrambled eggs. Which were… passable? Victory! (Though I'm pretty sure the smoke alarm is still judging me).
Day 2: Sun, Sand & The Existential Crisis of Beach Towel Placement
- Morning (9:00 AM - whenever I could pry myself from the alluring lethargy of my bed): Beach! (After a frantic hunt for sunscreen – I'd forgotten to pack it, naturally). The beach was, thankfully, gorgeous. Crystal clear water, soft sand… pure bliss.
- 10:00 AM: The Beach Towel Dilemma. This is a real thing, people. The strategic placement of your beach towel. The competition for prime real estate. The judging looks from the towel-laying veterans. I spent a good fifteen minutes pondering the optimal angle for sun exposure, wind protection, and proximity to the gelato stand. Eventually, I just flopped down.
- 11:00 AM-1:00 PM: Sunbathing, Swimming, and a near-miss with a rogue seagull. Seriously, those birds are bold. The water was heavenly. I floated. I felt… content. For a while, at least.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM): Lunch, Sangria. Or, “The Glorious Descent Into Afternoon Laziness” Finding a decent lunch place was… a quest. Eventually, I succumbed to the siren song of a little tapas bar down the street. Ordered some patatas bravas. Ate them. Regretted nothing. Sangria ensued. Oh, the Sangria! It was… dangerous levels of delicious. I may, or may not, have returned for a second pitcher. Details unavailable.
- 3:00 PM- 6:00 PM: Naptime and More Naptime. Let's be honest, this was pretty much what the rest of the day consisted of. More beach time. More napping. More Sangria-induced happiness. Everything was blurry and wonderful.
- Evening: Dinner, a stroll, and a distinct feeling of being utterly, gloriously relaxed. Found a little restaurant serving fresh seafood. (The octopus was AMAZING.) The walk back to the apartment was under the stars, and I felt utterly and completely at peace. This is what it's all about, right? Freedom, sun, and maybe just a tiny bit of Sangria-induced fuzziness.
Day 3: The Great Market Adventure & The Culinary Catastrophe (Part 2)
- Morning (9:00 AM): Market Day! The local market was a sensory explosion. Fresh produce, vibrant colours, the sounds of Spanish chatter (which, let's be honest, I barely understood). The smell of chorizo? Irresistible. I bought far too much fruit.
- 11:00 AM: The Culinary Catastrophe Begins (Again). Okay, so I decided to attempt to cook something elaborate. Paella. In that sad, lonely frying pan. This, my friends, was a mistake of epic proportions. Let's just say the rice… well, let's just say it resembled a slightly burnt hockey puck. The seafood? Overcooked. The whole thing? A culinary Chernobyl. I ate it anyway. (Because, you know, I was hungry.)
- 1:00 PM: Reeling from the Disaster. I needed… a break. A long break. A very large glass of something cold and refreshing.
- Afternoon: Recovery and Remorse. A quiet afternoon spent re-evaluating my cooking skills (or lack thereof). I considered just living on tapas and gelato for the rest of the trip. Actually, I think I quite liked the idea.
- Evening: Found a fantastic restaurant specializing in tapas. The food was divine. The wine flowed. My faith in Spanish cuisine was officially restored.
Day 4: Exploring the Town, and the Unexpected Joys of People-Watching
- Morning (9:00 AM): Finally, did some actual exploring. Wandered the town. Charming squares, narrow streets, the echoes of a language I didn't understand, but somehow felt.
- 11:00 AM-1:00 PM: People-Watching Extravaganza. Found a cafe with a prime view of the town square. This is where the real magic happened. Watching the locals go about their day. The old men playing dominoes. The families chatting. The passionate arguments over… I don't know what, but they looked intense. It was a masterclass in human behaviour.
- Afternoon: More Beach, More Bliss. I can't help it, the beach is a siren song.
- Evening: Farewell Dinner and a Sudden Onset of Sadness Found the same charming little restaurant for dinner. Ordered my favourite dish. Gazed out at the sea. I didn't want to leave.
Day 5: Departure and a Promise to Return
- Morning: Packing (A frantic, slightly disorganised adventure). Why do I always leave packing until the last minute?
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Goodbye, Olimar II. Goodbye, sun. Goodbye, Sangria. (Sniffle).
- Final thoughts: This trip wasn't perfect. There were cooking disasters, navigational mishaps, and a slight dependence on Sangria. But it was… perfect, in its own messy, imperfect way. Aparthotel Olimar II? She's a diamond in the rough, a place where you can be yourself, laugh at your mistakes, and maybe, just maybe, learn a thing or two about the art of doing absolutely nothing at all. I will be back!
PS: The frying pan? I left it behind. Hopefully, a new, less-burnt generation of travellers will fare better with it. And if you're going? Order the octopus. Seriously. You won't regret it.
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Shaoyang Wugang's Hidden Gem!
So, Aparthotel Olimar II... Is it actually a "hidden gem" or just a slightly dusty apartment block in a slightly less glamorous part of Spain?
Okay, okay, let's be honest. "Hidden gem" is a loaded term, right? Marketing fluff, usually! Olimar II isn’t *exactly* a sparkling, brand-new, Instagram-perfect paradise. But… and this is a big BUT… it’s got something. Charm? Maybe. Convenience? Definitely. But **hidden gem?** Hmm... Depends on your definition. If you define "gem" as "something that's actually pretty good for the price, and doesn't try to be something it's not," then yeah, maybe. It's more like a comfortable, slightly worn-around-the-edges, reliable friend, rather than that flashy new boyfriend who seems perfect but secretly has a terrible habit of leaving the toilet seat up (I swear, this metaphor is relevant! We'll get there.).
What's the vibe? Is it party central or relaxing family time?
Well, it leans *heavily* towards the chill zone, let me tell you. Forget Ibiza-esque shenanigans. Think more... "a gentle afternoon nap after a few too many tapas." I mean, there *are* families, and yes, kids do make noise, the pool *is* sometimes invaded by screaming children (I’ve been there, I’m one of the screaming ones), but mostly it's super relaxed. If you're looking for all-night raves or DJs blasting boom-boom-boom until dawn, you are *absolutely* in the wrong place. This is more about sipping sangria on your balcony, watching the sun dip below the horizon (if you're lucky enough to have a balcony with a view, more on that later), and generally just... *unwinding*. Which, honestly? After the stresses of a normal life, is exactly what I needed. Pure, unadulterated relaxation. Or, at least, the *attempt* at it.
The rooms... Dish the dirt! Good? Bad? Ugly?
Okay, the rooms. This is where things get a little… *variable*. They're apartments, not pristine hotel rooms. Think more "lived-in" than "showroom". The kitchens are functional, but don't expect gleaming stainless steel and a Nespresso machine. They're equipped enough to cook simple meals (pasta! Eggs! The bare essentials!), which is great if you're trying to save money, or, like me, just don’t want to spend all your time getting dressed up to go to eat out. I once almost set off the smoke alarm trying to make toast at 3 am (after some *ahem*… *festive* pre-dinner drinks). The bathrooms? They're… fine. Clean, functional. Don't expect spa-level luxury, but they do the job. And the balconies? Ah, the balconies! *That's* the secret weapon. If you snag one with a good view, you've won. If you DON'T... well, let's just say, a little ingenuity (and a good bottle of local wine) can make even a view of the parking lot feel romantic. Which is what I did at midnight.
Location, location, location! Is it convenient? Any trouble with transport?
The location is PERFECT, in my humble opinion! Okay, not *perfect*, but really, really good. It's close to the beach (walkable! Bliss!). There are shops and restaurants nearby. There's a bus stop, but honestly, you probably won't need it much. The main thing is, it's quiet. Away from the main tourist throngs, but still close enough to everything you need. Though, I will say this, one night, when trying to find a taxi at 2 am, it felt like the end of the freaking world. Turns out, it wasn't. Just needed to walk about 15 minutes. But at 2 am? Everything is a bloody mountain. But a day's sunshine and a good meal later, it wasn't an issue at all.
The Pool! Give me the lowdown... Is it crowded / clean / worth it?
Okay, the pool. The lifeblood of any decent holiday, right? This pool... it's a good size. Not Olympic-sized, mind you. But big enough! The water is usually clean (I say "usually" because a rogue leaf or two might make an appearance, but hey, it's outdoors!). It *can* get crowded, especially during peak season. But, and this is key, it rarely feels *overwhelmingly* crowded. There are loungers (grab 'em early!), and a little pool bar (essential!). I'm picturing it now – the sun, the gentle splashing, the smell of chlorine mingling with… *something* (possibly sunscreen, possibly the lingering aroma of the paella I'd ordered for lunch… or maybe it was just the ghosts of holidays past). One time, though... oh, man. It was a Sunday. And there were a LOT of kids. I had to beat a tactical retreat to my balcony with a book and decided to get some much-needed silence. Not complaining, though. It's just a reality of life, and holidaying, I suppose.
What about food nearby? Anything good to eat?
Oh. My. God. The food. Okay, this is where Olimar II *really* shines. Forget the fancy restaurants (though there are those too, if that’s your thing). The real magic happens in the *tapas* bars surrounding the place. Seriously. You could eat your way through a different bar every night for a week and still not sample everything delicious. The seafood is fresh, the local wines are cheap, and the atmosphere is *electric*. One night, I stumbled upon this tiny place, no English menus, just a blackboard covered in scribbled Spanish. I pointed at something that I *suspected* was octopus (and it was!), and it was, honestly, the best thing I've ever eaten. Perfectly tender, seasoned to perfection. The best part? The other patrons were *so* friendly, even though I butchered their language. They tried to guess my origin country (I think they thought I was from Mars). Anyway, make sure you leave some space for dessert. They can be life-changing. It was the kind of experience that makes you forget about all the little imperfections and just… *breathe*. And eat. Lots of eating.
Any tips for making the most of your stay?
Okay, pro-tips, because I'm basically an expert now! Number one: Pack a travel adapter. You'll need it. Number two: Learn a few basic Spanish phrases. Even "Hola" and "Gracias" go a long way. Number three: If you want a pool lounger, get up early. Be that person. Seriously. Number four: Embrace the imperfections. Things might not always be perfect, but that's part of the charm. The slightly wonky shower, the occasional noise from the street, the fact that the wifi is about as reliable as a lottery. Just… *go with it*. Number five: The mostStay And Relax
